Jagadish Chandra Bose Scholarship 2025: Nurturing Scientific Talent in West Bengal

The Jagadish Chandra Bose Scholarship, officially known as the JBNSTS Scholarship, is a highly esteemed program in West Bengal dedicated to identifying and fostering young scientific talent. Administered by the Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS), this scholarship provides financial aid and academic opportunities to meritorious students pursuing science education. It aims to encourage bright minds to excel in scientific fields and contribute to research and development.

Types of Scholarships Offered

The JBNSTS offers two primary categories of scholarships:

• JBNSTS Junior Scholarship: For students who have successfully passed their Class 10 examination and are currently enrolled in Class 11 (Science stream).
• JBNSTS Senior Scholarship: For students who have passed Class 12 and are pursuing undergraduate degrees in Basic Sciences (Honours), Engineering, or Medicine in West Bengal.

Additionally, there's a specific scholarship for female students: the Junior Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti (JBKMB) and Senior Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti (SBKMB), which come under the Junior and Senior Talent Scholarship programs respectively, and offer enhanced benefits for female scholars.

Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial for applying to the Jagadish Chandra Bose Scholarship 2025.

For JBNSTS Junior Scholarship (Class 11)

• Academic Qualification: Must have passed the Class 10 (Madhyamik or equivalent) examination in the preceding year with a minimum of 75% marks or equivalent CGPA in aggregate.
• Current Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in Class 11 in the Science stream in a recognized school/institute in West Bengal.
• Subjects: Must have chosen at least three subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, or Computer Science.
• Domicile: Primarily open to Indian nationals domiciled in West Bengal. Some sources also mention eligibility for students from states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
• Age: No specific age limit is widely published for the Junior Scholarship, but it targets students transitioning from Class 10 to 11.

For JBNSTS Senior Scholarship (Undergraduate Science Courses)

• Academic Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing for the Class 12 examination in the current scholarship year (2025).
• Current Enrollment: Should be admitted to an undergraduate program in B.Sc. (Honours), Engineering (B.Tech), or Medicine (MBBS) in any recognized institution in West Bengal.
• Domicile: Primarily open to Indian nationals domiciled in West Bengal.
• Age: No specific age limit is widely published, but it targets students transitioning from Class 12 to undergraduate studies.

Application Process

The application process for the Jagadish Chandra Bose Scholarship 2025 is primarily online.

1. Visit the Official Website:

• Navigate to the official website of JBNSTS: www.jbnsts.ac.in.

2. Locate the Application Link:

• On the homepage, look for and click on the option related to "Apply online application for JBNSTS Junior Talent Search Test" or "Apply online application for JBNSTS Senior Talent Search Test," depending on your eligibility.

3. Register Online:

• Click on "Register Now" or a similar option to initiate the registration process.
• Fill in all the required personal and academic details accurately, including your name, application date, mobile number, address, marksheets, and passport-size photograph.

4. Upload Documents:

• Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents in the specified format (JPEG/JPG for photos and signatures, PDF/JPEG for marksheets and admission proof).
  • For Junior Scholarship: Class 10 mark sheet, Class 10 admit card, Class 11 admission proof (fee book, letter from Headmaster/Principal, school ID card, library card), recent passport-size photograph, scanned signature.
  • For Senior Scholarship: Class 12 mark sheet, recent passport-size photograph, scanned signature.

5. Pay Application Fee:

• Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
  • Junior Scholarship: INR 100
  • Senior Scholarship: INR 200

6. Review and Submit:

• Before final submission, carefully review all the information you have provided to ensure accuracy.
• Click on the "Submit" button to complete your application.
• Save your login credentials for future reference.

Important Note: No physical documents need to be sent to the JBNSTS office after completing the online application.

Selection Process

The selection process for both Junior and Senior scholarships typically involves multiple stages:

1. Written Test: Candidates appear for a Talent Search Examination.
   • JBNSTS Junior Talent Search Test (JTST): Duration 2 hours, 90 marks. Subjects include Physical Science (30 marks), Life Science (30 marks), and Mathematics (30 marks). All questions are compulsory.
   • JBNSTS Senior Talent Search Test (STST): Written test (Science & Mathematics) for 100 marks, duration 2 hours. Candidates usually choose 3 subjects out of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.
2. Interview Round: Shortlisted candidates from the written test are called for a personal interview. This round assesses conceptual and analytical abilities. There is no negative marking in the interview.
3. Scientific Creativity Test (for Senior Scholarship only): This additional phase for Senior Scholars assesses problem-solving and innovation skills.

The final list of scholars is announced based on the combined performance in these selection stages.

Amount and Benefits

The Jagadish Chandra Bose Scholarship provides significant financial and academic benefits:

For JBNSTS Junior Scholars (and JBKMB)

• Financial Assistance: INR 1250 per month for two years (till the completion of Class 12).
• Book Grant: An annual book grant of INR 2500.
• Academic Benefits: Scholarship certificate, opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and science projects with scientists, and exposure to enrichment programs.

For JBNSTS Senior Scholars (and SBKMB)

• Financial Assistance: INR 4000 per month throughout the undergraduate course duration (4 to 5 years, until completion of the degree).
• Book Grant: An annual book grant of INR 5000.
• Academic Benefits: Scholarship certificate, academic and career counseling, participation in seminars and colloquia, travel and enrichment programs, and opportunities for project work.
• Additional Benefits for Top Performers: The top 10 boys and top 10 girls in the Senior Scholarship exam are often awarded laptops.
• Research Grant (for SBKMB, Master's in Basic Sciences): Female students pursuing a Master's degree in Basic Sciences may be eligible for a research grant of INR 80,000 per year (INR 60,000 + INR 20,000) under DST INSPIRE norms.

Important Dates (Tentative for 2025)

• Application Start Date: June 1, 2025
• Application Last Date: July 31, 2025
• Science Talent Search Examination Date: August 24, 2025 (for Vidyasagar Science Olympiad, which might be related or serve as an indicator for JBNSTS exam dates)

It is highly recommended to regularly check the official JBNSTS website (www.jbnsts.ac.in) for the most accurate and updated information regarding application deadlines and exam schedules for 2025, as these dates can sometimes vary.

Conclusion

The Jagadish Chandra Bose Scholarship stands as a beacon for aspiring scientists in West Bengal. By offering substantial financial support, valuable academic exposure, and a rigorous selection process, it aims to cultivate a new generation of researchers and innovators who will contribute to India's scientific progress. Students passionate about science and meeting the eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to apply for this prestigious opportunity.